Bhopal, January 23: A procession organized by Hindu groups reached Bhojshala on Friday, where prayers were being offered to mark Basant Panchami, following a Supreme Court order allowing both Hindus and Muslims to pray at the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex. In response to the order, heavy security measures have been put in place, with horse-mounted police and the Rapid Action Force (RAF) deployed to ensure the safety of the site.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Dhar, Mayank Awasthi, assured the public that security had been bolstered with advanced surveillance, including AI-powered drones and cameras. “We’ve made detailed security arrangements with the deployment of police, CRPF, and RAF personnel. The district has been divided into seven zones, each monitored by SP-level officers. Drones and CCTV cameras are being used for real-time surveillance, with feeds directed to the control room. AI technology in the drones will help detect any unusual activity,” he explained.
Regarding crowd management, Awasthi said, “We’ve established diversion points for vehicles, and adequate parking facilities have been arranged. Drones will monitor the procession’s route, and security personnel will be stationed along the way. In line with the Supreme Court’s directives, separate entry and exit points have been designated.”
District Collector Priyank Mishra affirmed that the event would proceed smoothly, stating, “Everything is in place for the event, and there will be no hindrances.”
A devotee present at the site shared that a separate area for Namaz would be designated to allow for the simultaneous conduct of Akhand Puja. “The Akhand Puja has begun, and the administration has made arrangements for Namaz in a separate space, ensuring both religious practices can occur without disruption,” the devotee said.
The Basant Panchami prayers and celebrations at the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex commenced as scheduled, following the Supreme Court ruling that both Hindu and Muslim communities could perform their respective religious rituals at the site.
